A warrant for the arrest of Heidi Lueders, 31, of Fairfield, was issued after the discovery was made around 3:59 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 14, when members of the Fairfield Police Department responded to Prince Street for a report of animal cruelty, said Fairfield Police Lt. Lt. Robert Kalamaras.
Responding officers found several animal carcasses in crates inside the home, Kalamaras said.
Kalamaras said the department is currently coordinating the terms of Lueders' surrender. The warrant charges her with five counts of animal cruelty and criminal damage to a landlord property by a tenant. Bond has been set at $50,000 once she surrenders.
Lueders, the past president of Bully Breed Rescue, Inc., was said to be in the care of the five dogs that were found. However, the dogs were believed to have been sent to various sanctuaries and foster homes, according to a post on the Bully Breed Rescue Inc. website from Vice President Chris Antoine.
When members and volunteers associated with Bully Breed Rescue learned of the 37 Prince St. address in Fairfield, they “all immediately began cooperating with local police and detectives,” Antolini said.
“It is with great sadness that we confirm all five dogs on Prince Street were dogs of Bully Breed Rescue, Inc. under the care of President Heidi Lueders,” Antolini said. “Over the last seven months, Ms. Lueders had previously communicated to members and volunteers that she had sent four of these dogs to a sanctuary and the fifth dog was in a foster which she was monitoring. None of these dogs were known to be within the residence of Prince Street.”
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